Παραγωγή γραπτού λόγου (Writing): task, register and cohesion
What this section tests
Παραγωγή γραπτού λόγου asks you to produce one or more texts of a few paragraphs each, chosen from realistic formats: an email or letter to a friend, a formal email of complaint, request or application, an article or notice for a school or community magazine, or a short opinion piece on a current topic. The prompt lists content points that must all appear. Markers reward communicative effectiveness, organisation, range of structures and vocabulary, accuracy, and above all appropriate register.
Core rules and concepts
- Answer the task, not a topic. Underline each content point in the prompt and tick it off in your plan before writing.
- Register is a binary choice made at the start. Informal: Γεια σου Μαρία, εσύ forms, Τα λέμε, φιλιά. Formal: Αξιότιμε κύριε, εσείς forms, Με εκτίμηση / Με σεβασμό. Never mix them in one text.
- Structure in paragraphs with one function each: opening and purpose, development, closing. Link with connectors you control: αρχικά, επιπλέον, ωστόσο, επομένως, τελικά.
- Show B2 range: a subordinate clause with παρόλο που or ενώ, one passive or -μαι form, one hypothetical with Αν, a μετοχή where natural.
- Keep the length close to what the prompt sets. A very short text loses content marks; a very long one accumulates errors.
Worked example
Prompt: write an email to a friend apologising for missing their party and suggesting another meeting. Reasoning: the relationship is φιλικό, so greeting Γεια σου + name, εσύ forms throughout. Paragraph 1 states the apology and the reason («Λυπάμαι πολύ που δεν ήρθα· είχα ένα πρόβλημα με το αυτοκίνητο»). Paragraph 2 makes a concrete proposal with a dependent form («Τι θα έλεγες να πιούμε έναν καφέ το Σάββατο;»). Paragraph 3 closes warmly (Τα λέμε σύντομα, φιλιά). Both content points are covered, the register is uniformly informal, and connectors hold the text together.
Traps that cost marks
Ignoring one listed content point; slipping into εσείς in a friendly email or εσύ in a complaint; copying the prompt wording instead of reformulating it; writing one long block without paragraphs; ending a formal letter with φιλιά; using advanced vocabulary you cannot control and losing accuracy marks.